Vancouver Island

Explore on a Vancouver Island Tour this diverse coast by cruising aboard a classic wooden vessel along the inside passage. Witness stunning landscapes and changing ecosystems as your knowledgeable crew guide you through the length of Vancouver Island.

Explore the Area

Highlights

Tour Vancouver Island’s rugged coastline as ecosystems change from south to north

Witness unique wildlife events as migrations of seabirds move through the area and marine mammals return for the season.

Visit eclectic island communities filled with artists

Visit Sea lion colonies, and marine bird nesting sites

Beachcomb on remote islands

Walk through rainforests among hundred-year-old trees and ancient ferns

Activities

Natural history through hands-on experience and talks with your naturalist and any scientists encountered on your trip

Sailing (on sailing ship)

Village visits

Hot-springs

Exploring beaches

Kayaking and fishing (optional)

Nature & Landscape

From south to north along Vancouver Island, there is so much stunning variation. On this Vancouver Island tour experience warm, dry Garry Oak Meadows, arbutus lined shorelines, and Douglas fir forests encompass the southern Gulf Islands. Move north and find hemlock, cedar, and Sitka spruce rainforests throughout steep-sloped islands of the Broughton Archipelago.

Featured Wildlife

Humpback whale

Killer whale / orca

Dall’s porpoise

Pacific white-sided dolphin

Sea lions

Harbour Porpoise

Marine Birds

Bald eagle

Pacific salmon (in autumn)

Black Bear

Cultural History

Vancouver Island encompasses many First Nations traditional territories. Along the east side of Vancouver Island, we travel in the south through Coast Salish territory and in the north through Kwakwaka’wakw territory.

In some areas find bark-stripped culturally modified trees, ancient carved poles returning to the earth, and longhouse remains that give testimony to a way of life tuned to the rhythm of nature.

Off North Eastern Vancouver Island possibly visit the modern village of Alert Bay, talk with local residents, and see the ancient art traditions still in place today.

Comfortable Ships & Expert Guides

Find both adventure and comfort aboard our classic wooden ships as you explore the shores of Vancouver Island. Local, knowledgeable guides will lead you to hidden gems on the coast and share with you interesting stories and natural history.

Areas to Explore

Our experienced crew and naturalist will take you to areas where you’ll be able to witness peak wildlife events:

Trip Itineraries

An amazing journey through the wild island archipelagos on Vancouver Island's east coast, for an incredible value price. Highlights of Gulf Is National Park, Desolation Sound, Discovery Islands including wildflowers, beaches, waterfalls, seabirds, marine...